scholarly journals Perceived barriers and facilitators to participating in the North Carolina Healthy Food Small Retailer Program: A mixed-methods examination considering investment effectiveness

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-29
Author(s):  
Kathryn A. Boys ◽  
Lindsey Haynes-Maslow ◽  
Jared T. McGuirt ◽  
Alice S. Ammerman ◽  
Erin E. Van Fleet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Inventory Management ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Financial Reports ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
The North ◽  
Corner Stores ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective: The North Carolina (NC) Legislature appropriated funds in 2016-2019 for the Healthy Food Small Retailer Program (HFSRP), providing small retailers located in food deserts with equipment to stock nutrient-dense foods and beverages. The study aimed to: (1) examine factors facilitating and constraining implementation of, and participation in, the HFSRP from the perspective of storeowners; and (2) measure and evaluate the impact and effectiveness of investment in the HFSRP. Design: This analysis uses both qualitative and quantitative assessments of storeowner perceptions and store outcomes, as well as two innovative measures of policy investment effectiveness. Qualitative semi-structured interviews and descriptive quantitative approaches including monthly financial reports and activity forms, and end-of-program evaluations were collected from participating HFSRP storeowners. Setting: Eight corner stores in North Carolina that participated in the two cohorts (2016-2018; 2017-2019) of the HFSRP. Participants: Owners of corner stores participating in the HFSRP. Results: All storeowners reported that the HFSRP benefitted their stores. In addition, the HFSRP had a positive impact on sales across each category of healthy food products. Storeowners reported that benefits would be enhanced with adjustments to program administration and support. Specific suggestions included: additional information regarding which healthy foods and beverages to stock; inventory management; handling of perishable produce; product display; modified reporting requirements; and a more efficient process of delivering and maintaining equipment. Conclusions: All storeowners reported several benefits of the HFSRP and would recommend that other storeowners participate. The barriers and challenges they reported inform potential approaches to ensuring success and sustainability of the HFSRP and similar initiatives underway in other jurisdictions.

scholarly journals One-Year Follow-Up Examination of the Impact of the North Carolina Healthy Food Small Retailer Program on Healthy Food Availability, Purchases, and Consumption

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 2681 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Jilcott Pitts ◽  
Qiang Wu ◽  
Kimberly Truesdale ◽  
Lindsey Haynes-Maslow ◽  
Jared McGuirt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Food Availability ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Additional Time ◽  
The North ◽  
Healthy Food Availability ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Impact

We examined the short-term impact of the North Carolina Healthy Food Small Retailer Program (HFSRP), a legislatively appropriated bill providing funding up to $25,000 to small food retailers for equipment to stock and promote healthier foods, on store-level availability and purchase of healthy foods and beverages, as well as customer dietary patterns, one year post-policy implementation. We evaluated healthy food availability using a validated audit tool, purchases using customer bag-checks, and diet using self-reported questionnaires and skin carotenoid levels, assessed via Veggie Meter™, a non-invasive tool to objectively measure fruit and vegetable consumption. Difference-in-difference analyses were used to examine changes in HFSRP stores versus control stores after 1 year. There were statistically significant improvements in healthy food supply scores (availability), with the Healthy Food Supply HFS score being −0.44 points lower in control stores and 3.13 points higher in HFSRP stores pre/post HFSRP (p = 0.04). However, there were no statistically significant changes in purchases or self-reported consumption or skin carotenoids among customers in HFSRP versus control stores. Additional time or other supports for retailers (e.g., marketing and promotional materials) may be needed for HFSRP implementation to influence purchase and consumption.

scholarly journals A four-year observational study to examine the dietary impact of the North Carolina Healthy Food Small Retailer Program, 2017–2020

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie B. Jilcott Pitts ◽  
Qiang Wu ◽  
Kimberly P. Truesdale ◽  
Ann P. Rafferty ◽  
Lindsey Haynes-Maslow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Intake ◽  
Dietary Behaviors ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The North ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background The North Carolina (NC) Healthy Food Small Retailer Program (HFSRP) was passed into law with a $250,000 appropriation (2016–2018) providing up to $25,000 in funding to small food stores for equipment to stock healthier foods and beverages. This paper describes an observational natural experiment documenting the impact of the HFSRP on store food environments, customers’ purchases and diets. Methods Using store observations and intercept surveys from cross-sectional, convenience customer samples (1261 customers in 22 stores, 2017–2020; 499 customers in 7 HFSRP stores, and 762 customers in 15 Comparison stores), we examined differences between HFSRP and comparison stores regarding: (1) change in store-level availability, quality, and price of healthy foods/beverages; (2) change in healthfulness of observed food and beverage purchases (“bag checks”); and, (3) change in self-reported and objectively-measured (Veggie Meter®-assessed skin carotenoids) customer dietary behaviors. Differences (HFSRP vs. comparison stores) in store-level Healthy Food Supply (HFS) and Healthy Eating Index-2010 scores were assessed using repeated measure ANOVA. Intervention effects on diet were assessed using difference-in-difference models including propensity scores. Results There were improvements in store-level supply of healthier foods/beverages within 1 year of program implementation (0 vs. 1–12 month HFS scores; p = 0.055) among HFSRP stores only. Comparing 2019 to 2017 (baseline), HFSRP stores’ HFS increased, but decreased in comparison stores (p = 0.031). Findings indicated a borderline significant effect of the intervention on self-reported fruit and vegetable intake (servings/day), though in the opposite direction expected, such that fruit and vegetable intake increased more among comparison store than HFSRP store customers (p = 0.05). There was no significant change in Veggie Meter®-assessed fruit and vegetable intake by customers shopping at the intervention versus comparison stores. Conclusions Despite improvement in healthy food availability, there was a lack of apparent impact on dietary behaviors related to the HFSRP, which could be due to intervention dose or inadequate statistical power due to the serial cross-sectional study design. It may also be that individuals buy most of their food at larger stores; thus, small store interventions may have limited impact on overall eating patterns. Future healthy retail policies should consider how to increase intervention dose to include more product marketing, consumer messaging, and technical assistance for store owners.

A general practice provider federation in a mixed health economy in England: a case study investigation

2018 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp18X696929
Author(s):  
Jill Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Shared Vision ◽  
Health Economy ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The North ◽  
Common Strategy ◽  
Common Purpose ◽  
Collaborative Working ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundThere is an emerging debate that general practice in its current format is out-dated and there is a requirement to move to a federated model of provision where groups of Practices come together. The emergence of federations has developed over the past 5 years but the factors that influence how federations develop and the impact of this new model is an under researched area.AimThe study explored the rationale around why a group of independent GP practices opted to pursue an alternative business venture and the benefits that this strategy offered.MethodA single organisational case study of a federation in the North of England was conducted between 2011–2016. Mixed methods data collection included individual and group semi-structured interviews and quantitative surveys.ResultsFederations promote collaborative working, relying on strategic coherence of multiple individual GP practices through a shared vision and common purpose. Findings revealed many complexities in implementing a common strategy across multiple independent businesses. The ability of the federation to gain legitimacy was two dimensional – externally and internally. The venture had mixed successes, but their approach to quality improvement proved innovative and demonstrated outcomes on a population basis. The study identified significant pressures that practices were experiencing and the need to seek alternative ways of working but there was no shared vision or inclination to relinquish individual practice autonomy.ConclusionOrganisational development support is critical to reform General Practice. Whether central funding through the GP Five Year Forward View will achieve the scale of change required is yet to be evidenced.

Yoga as an Innovative Solution for Financial Growth of Companies

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ipseeta Satpathy ◽  
B. Chandra Mohan Patnaik ◽  
Chandrabhanu Das
Keyword(s):  
Inventory Management ◽  
Internal Control ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Financial Health ◽  
Antibiotic Drugs ◽  
Lifestyle Diseases ◽  
The Impact

The existence of Yoga dates back to more than ten thousand years around India and all nations. The Hindu Mythology considers the genesis of Yoga by incorporating Lord Shiva as Guru and Goddess Parvati as Shishya. Gradually with the development of civilization mankind assessed the benefits of this spiritual discipline and different leaders propagated the Yoga in different ways.In this era of 21st century Baba Ramdev propagated the yoga sutras with simple and effective techniques. The Pranayam and Suryanamaskar are the popular routines practiced by many followers of Baba Ramdev. Today Yoga is practiced as a way of Living to prevent Lifestyle diseases, combat stress and rejuvenate self. Yoga has gained immense popularity over the years with July 21st being celebrated as International Yoga Day. Corporate are also now introducing Yoga for employees as a means to relieve their stress and improve productivity. Long Hours of sitting, standing and excessive use of electronic gadgets puts pressure on bones, joints and responsible for Lifestyle diseases. Yoga is now increasingly used as a wellness solution replacing high cost antibiotic drugs. Employee well-being leads to Cost Savings in terms of personnel by reduced payment of Insurance and Medical Bills. The paper studies the Impact of Yoga to Financial benefits in MSME Organizations in Odisha in light of three different perspectives of Internal Control, Inventory management and Cash Flow. The primary data was collected from a sample of 155 high profile finance executives working in the MSME sector. Ranking Table and Regression Analysis Methodology was used to derive meaningful conclusions. The research takes initiative to transform the effectiveness of Yoga into improved financial health for the Organization. The observation from the study interprets a positive impact of Yoga on good financial health of Organization.

scholarly journals Improving the experience of facility-based delivery for vulnerable women through obstetric care navigation: a qualitative evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten Austad ◽  
Michel Juarez ◽  
Hannah Shryer ◽  
Patricia L. Hibberd ◽  
Mari-Lynn Drainoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Obstetric Care ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Global disparities in maternal mortality could be reduced by universal facility delivery. Yet, deficiencies in the quality of care prevent some mothers from seeking facility-based obstetric care. Obstetric care navigators (OCNs) are a new form of lay health workers that combine elements of continuous labor support and care navigation to promote obstetric referrals. Here we report qualitative results from the pilot OCN project implemented in Indigenous villages in the Guatemalan central highlands. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 mothers who received OCN accompaniment and 13 staff—namely physicians, nurses, and social workers—of the main public hospital in the pilot’s catchment area (Chimaltenango). Interviews queried OCN’s impact on patient and hospital staff experience and understanding of intended OCN roles. Audiorecorded interviews were transcribed, coded, and underwent content analysis. Results Maternal fear of surgical intervention, disrespectful and abusive treatment, and linguistic barriers were principal deterrents of care seeking. Physicians and nurses reported cultural barriers, opposition from family, and inadequate hospital resources as challenges to providing care to Indigenous mothers. Patient and hospital staff identified four valuable services offered by OCNs: emotional support, patient advocacy, facilitation of patient-provider communication, and care coordination. While patients and most physicians felt that OCNs had an overwhelmingly positive impact, nurses felt their effort would be better directed toward traditional nursing tasks. Conclusions Many barriers to maternity care exist for Indigenous mothers in Guatemala. OCNs can improve mothers’ experiences in public hospitals and reduce limitations faced by providers. However, broader buy-in from hospital staff—especially nurses—appears critical to program success. Future research should focus on measuring the impact of obstetric care navigation on key clinical outcomes (cesarean delivery) and mothers’ future care seeking behavior.

scholarly journals Qualitative perspectives of the North Carolina healthy food small retailer program among customers in participating stores located in food deserts

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey Haynes-Maslow ◽  
Stephanie B. Jilcott Pitts ◽  
Kathryn A. Boys ◽  
Jared T. McGuirt ◽  
Sheila Fleischhacker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Food Access ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Food Deserts ◽  
State Legislature ◽  
Healthy Food ◽  
The State ◽  
The North

Abstract Background The North Carolina Healthy Food Small Retailer Program (NC HFSRP) was established through a policy passed by the state legislature to provide funding for small food retailers located in food deserts with the goal of increasing access to and sales of healthy foods and beverages among local residents. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine perceptions of the NC HFSRP among store customers. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with 29 customers from five NC HFSRP stores in food deserts across eastern NC. Interview questions were related to shoppers’ food and beverage purchases at NC HFSRP stores, whether they had noticed any in-store efforts to promote healthier foods and beverages, their suggestions for promoting healthier foods and beverages, their familiarity with and support of the NC HFSRP, and how their shopping and consumption habits had changed since implementation of the NC HFSRP. A codebook was developed based on deductive (from the interview guide questions) and inductive (emerged from the data) codes and operational definitions. Verbatim transcripts were double-coded and a thematic analysis was conducted based on code frequency, and depth of participant responses for each code. Results Although very few participants were aware of the NC HFSRP legislation, they recognized changes within the store. Customers noted that the provision of healthier foods and beverages in the store had encouraged them to make healthier purchase and consumption choices. When a description of the NC HFSRP was provided to them, all participants were supportive of the state-funded program. Participants discussed program benefits including improving food access in low-income and/or rural areas and making healthy choices easier for youth and for those most at risk of diet-related chronic diseases. Conclusions Findings can inform future healthy corner store initiatives in terms of framing a rationale for funding or policies by focusing on increased food access among vulnerable populations.

An Investigation into the Impact of Environmental Education Certification on Perceptions of Personal Teaching Efficacy

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 5-17
Author(s):  
Mandy Harrison ◽  
Lisa Gross ◽  
Jennifer McGee
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Environmental Education ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Teaching Efficacy ◽  
School Teachers ◽  
The North ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Personal Teaching Efficacy ◽  
Environmental Educators ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of this study is to examine how participation in the North Carolina Environmental Educator (NCEE) program influences the individual's perceived self-efficacy. Specifically, this study examines the impact of NCEE certification on participants’ perceived personal teaching self-efficacy. This study compared personal teaching efficacy scores of certified environmental educators, non-certified environmental educators, and licensed schoolteachers. The study found significant differences in teaching efficacy between certified and non-certified environmental educators, as well as certified environmental educators and licensed school teachers. In addition, the study found no significant difference in efficacy scores between NCEE certified licensed school teachers and NCEE certified environmental educators. Results of this study indicate a link between environmental education certification and higher personal teaching efficacy.

The storm after the storm: the long-term lingering impacts of hurricanes on schools

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cassandra R. Davis ◽  
Sarah R. Cannon ◽  
Sarah C. Fuller
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Instructional Time ◽  
Emotional Needs ◽  
Social Emotional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The North ◽  
State Education ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify and describe the long-term impacts of hurricanes on schools and discuss approaches to improving recovery efforts.Design/methodology/approachInterviews with 20 school districts in Texas and North Carolina after Hurricanes Harvey (2017) and Matthew (2016). In total, 115 interviews were conducted with teachers, principals, district superintendents and representatives from state education agencies. Interview questions focused on the impact of storms and strategies for recovery.FindingsThe authors uncovered three long-term impacts of hurricanes on schools: (1) constrained instructional time, (2) increased social-emotional needs and (3) the need to support educators.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper focuses on two storms, in two states, in two successive years. Data collection occurred in Texas, one academic year after the storm. As compared to the North Carolina, data collection occurred almost two academic years after the storm.Practical implicationsThis paper illuminates strategies for stakeholders to implement and expedite hurricane recovery through; (1) updating curricula plans, (2) providing long-term counselors and (3) supporting educators in and out of school.Originality/valueTo date, very few studies have explored the ways in which schools face long-term impacts following a disaster. This paper provides insight to the challenges that prolong the impacts of disasters and impede recovery in schools. With hurricanes and related disasters continuing to affect schooling communities, more research is needed to identify the best ways to support schools, months to years after an event.

scholarly journals Is it Worth Flipping? The Impact of Flipped Classroom on EFL Students’ Grammar

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ishaq Salim Al-Naabi
Keyword(s):  
Flipped Classroom ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Flipped Learning ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Intact Group ◽  
English Grammar ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Impact

In light of contemporary pedagogical methods, the flipped classroom has been recognised as an effective pedagogy in English as a Foreign Language (EFL). This study employed a quasi-experimental one-group research design to investigate the impact of flipped learning on Omani EFL learners’ grammar and to examine students’ perceptions on the flipped classroom. An intact group of students (n=28) enrolled at the foundation programme in Arab Open University-Oman was randomly selected. Seven videos on English grammar were developed and shared with the students prior to the class. A varaiety of activities were conducted in the class following task-based language teaching. Students met for 8 lessons over the period of 8 weeks. Pre-test, post-test and semi-structured interviews were used in the study. The findings indicated that flipped learning had a positive impact on students’ understanding and usage of English grammar. Students’ perceptions on the flipped approach were positive. The study also provided pedagogical insights for the flipped classroom and recommendations for future research. 

scholarly journals Identifikasi Dampak Penggunaan Sistem Informasi Rumah Sakit (SIRS) Terhadap Pelayanan Kesehatan Menggunakan Hot-Fit Model 2006

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 216
Author(s):  
Frendy Rocky Rumambi ◽  
Salahudin Robo ◽  
Citra Amalia
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Employee Performance ◽  
Net Benefit ◽  
The North ◽  
North Sulawesi ◽  
Management Processes ◽  
The Impact ◽  
It Personnel

Hospital Information System (SIRS) is an integrated information system that aims to handle all hospital management processes, ranging from diagnostic services, medical data measures, medical records, pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical warehouses, billing, personnel databases, payroll, and accounting to the control management. Based on Indonesian Constitution No. 44 Article 52 year 2009, paragraph 1 states that "Indonesian hospitals are required to record and report all activities that occur within a hospital". On the Indonesia ministry regulation, PERMENKES No. 1171 year of 2011, Article 1 paragraph 1 states that "Each hospital is required to apply SIRS". Therefore Dr. Samratulangi Tondano District Hospital of Minahasa Regency in the North Sulawesi uses SIRS to improve employee performance in providing health services to the community. The paper discussed how to identify the impact of the use of Hospital Information Systems (SIRS) on health services. The purpose of this study is to look at the impact of the use of the SIRS system based on four indicators contained in the 2006 Human Organizational Technology (HOT-Fit) method in addition to the DeLone and McLean Success 2003 methods. By taking 150 respondents of SIRS users randomly, data were collected and analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software.The four hypotheses derived from three components namely "Technology", "Human" and "Organization" have a positive impact and provide a net benefit to the use of the system. In short, the majority of users SIRS only focuses on functions for registration and administration rather than clinical functions. The availability of IT units and IT personnel influences the use of SIRS as well.

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